The PursueGOD Podcast

Before we can pursue the God of the Bible, we need to examine the Bible itself. How do we know that we can trust what it says? Why should we listen to its truth claims? That's what pastors Bryan, Ross and John cover in this episode. --The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--The Bible is the best-selling book of all time, and it's unlike any other book written in history. It has changed individual lives and shaped entire cultures. It's an ancient text that claims to have been written by God himself, and the proof of its reliability is surprisingly strong. Here are three reasons we can trust what it teaches:Historical Evidence Ancient manuscripts and archeological digs have stacked up in favor of biblical reliability. The Bible was written thousands of years ago, long before printing presses and modern technology. Manuscript fragments of the biblical text have endured wars and weather throughout the ages, and the scraps that remain represent just a fraction of the originals. Are those remnants enough to provide a reliable testimony for modern-day readers? And how can we be sure that the message hasn't been corrupted over the millennia? The good news is that the God who inspired the scriptures was also powerful enough to preserve those writings through the ages. Consider the manuscript evidence. Manuscript copies in the ancient world were painstakingly hand-written, and not all of them survived the ravages of time. Reliability of ancient writings is determined by the number of copies (or partial copies) of the work in existence. So how does the Bible stack up? See for yourself:Today we have only 49 copies of Aristotle's writings.Homer's “The Iliad” does a little better, with 643 copies in existence.The New Testament wins by a landslide, with almost 5700 Greek copies and over 19,000 copies in other languages!The New Testament clearly has more manuscript evidence than any other ancient work. But how do we know that those manuscript copies are faithful to the originals? What if human authors changed the message, intentionally or otherwise? Modern archeology helps us answer this question, thanks to the Dead Sea Scrolls. In 1947 a shepherd boy discovered some ancient scrolls hidden away in remote caves in the Middle East. This led to even more discoveries in the area, and in the end almost 1000 manuscripts were recovered. Parts of almost every book of the Old Testament were found, and some of those fragments proved to be almost 1000 years older than the oldest manuscripts known at the time. This offers a perfect test for the reliability of our modern translations. The book of Isaiah provides the most compelling example, since the Dead Sea Scrolls contained a complete copy of the prophet's writings. When compared to the Masoretic Text (the oldest copy previously known, dating back to about 800 AD), the Isaiah manuscript from the Dead Sea Scrolls was 95% identical! And the only differences were minor, often just variations in spelling.So the historical evidence stacks up in favor of the reliability of the Bible. But there's more:Textual Evidence The Bible is the most impressive writing project in the history of the world. It contains 66 books written by 40 different authors over the course of 1500 years, and yet it tells one unified story. Think about it: Moses, a Jewish slave raised in the house of a Pharaoh, wrote the first five books. John, a fisherman-turned-revolutionary, wrote the last four books. In between were books and letters written by shepherds, kings, prophets, tax collectors, doctors, and more. And the most prolific author in the New Testament was Paul – a religious Pharisee who zealously persecuted the Jesus followers before joining them. Most of these authors never met each other, and many of them were unaware of the other books and letters that would eventually be included in the Bible. Their writings spanned different cultures and languages over the course of 15 centuries, and yet the Bible amazingly reads as one story. From beginning to end it's about Jesus, and the fulfilled prophecy is the glue that holds it together. Let's take just a few examples: Of the 12 tribes of Israel, Judah was surprisingly predicted to be the one through which Jesus would come – which is exactly what happened. Genesis 49:10, Matthew 1:1-3It was prophesied that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem, and that's how it happened – even though his mother didn't even live there. Micah 5:2, Luke 2:1,4Prophets wrote with shocking accuracy about the torture and death of Jesus hundreds of years before it happened – exactly as predicted. Psalm 22, Isaiah 53It was because of these kinds of prophecies that Jesus spoke these words to the religious leaders of his day:John 5:39 You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!The Bible amazingly tells one story, centered on Jesus, because it was ultimately inspired by the God of human history.Personal Evidence The Bible is ultimately about Jesus, and the changed lives of his followers is the most compelling proof of its message. Let's just take three examples from the New Testament, starting with Peter. When Jesus was on trial before his crucifixion, a servant girl noticed Peter and accused him of being a follower of Jesus. Peter denied it three times, walking away with an incredible sense of guilt and shame (Luke 22:56-59). But that's not the end of his story, because days later the resurrected Jesus sat down to breakfast with Peter and reinstated him – three times (John 21:15-19). Peter went on to be a pillar of the Christian church, eventually giving up his life for Jesus. Or consider “doubting” Thomas. He missed out on meeting the resurrected Jesus with the other disciples and expressed his doubt that they really saw the risen Christ. But soon enough he met Jesus for himself and professed his faith in him (John 20:25-28). Thomas, too, ended up dying for his faith. And then there's Paul, a self-righteous Pharisee (Philippians 3:5) whose life mission was to persecute the followers of Jesus. Then he met Jesus and joined that very group of misfit disciples. Paul made it his life's mission to spread the Good News about Jesus and he, too, died a martyr's death. There's no way to explain away these changed lives except to conclude that the message about Jesus, along with every word in the Bible, truly is inspired by God.But no amount of evidence can overcome an unbelieving attitude. At the end of the day, trusting the reliability of the Bible comes down to your willingness to believe in the God behind the Bible. Jesus made this point one day as he taught in the Temple courts:John 7:16-17 My message is not my own; it comes from God who sent me. Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own.If you're unwilling to submit to God's will, your pursuit is over before it has even started. But if you are willing to come to God on his terms and take him at his word, then Jesus promises that you'll discover the truth. The teachings of Jesus, and indeed all of the teachings in the Bible, are from God, not man. And so we can trust the Bible in our pursuit of God.

Today we go over your step by step guide to finally having freedom from lustChronological Chapter Timestamps- The Missing Roadmap: Why willpower isn't enough and the need for a comprehensive blueprint.- The True Foundation: Why personal connection—not rigid religious duty—is the power source for freedom.- The Seven Sons of Sceva: A striking story in Acts revealing why the enemy isn't afraid of your tactics.- Standing on Bought Ground: Shifting from fighting for freedom to defending ground already won.- Actionable Faith: How true belief manifests through intentional daily movement.- The Baseline Question: Are you actually ready to be free? (And what to do when the answer is no).- The Victory Routine: Morning and evening anchors that eliminate unstructured temptation.- Environmental Audit: Why abstinence is easier than moderation when clearing out media and dopamine traps.- Eye & Thought Discipline: Master the art of "bouncing your eyes" and stopping thoughts from building a nest.- The Ultimate Weapon: How Jesus fought temptation in the wilderness—and why scripture memory is your only live ammunition.- The Trachenberg Strategy: What Napoleon's defeat teaches us about "Fight by Flight."- The 3-Step Fight Protocol: Name it, Reject it, Replace it.- One Day at a Time: Winning the current wave instead of getting crushed by the weight of forever.

In this opening episode of a 12-week series on The Pursuit, Pastor Bryan Dwyer, Pastor Ross Anderson, and Tracy Dwyer introduce the fundamental truths of embarking on a journey with God. Designed for both seasoned believers looking to disciple others and seekers exploring Christianity for the first time, the hosts address common misconceptions about God's character and religious expectations. The conversation centers on a pivotal core truth: God is actively for you, not against you, regardless of your past, mistakes, or perceived distance from Him. Drawing from the story of Jesus healing the leper in Matthew 8, the episode illustrates Christ's willingness to draw near to and transform those who feel isolated or unworthy. We introduce the concept of a "full-circle faith"—a dynamic process that begins by trusting Jesus for salvation and naturally progresses into living a life that honors Him and culminates in making disciples.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--Timestamps & Key Topics00:03 - Introduction to "The Pursuit" Series Pastor Brian, Pastor Ross, and Tracy introduce the 12-week series designed to equip Christians to make disciples while offering seekers a clear, biblical picture of God.01:31 - Reframing the Image of God Addressing common cultural and religious baggage, the hosts discuss shifting from a rule-based view of faith to understanding God's heart and intentions toward individuals.04:50 - Evaluating Your Standing with God A prompt encouraging listeners to reflect on where they fall on the continuum of feeling far from vs. close to God.07:10 - Truth #1: God is For You, Not Against You Unpacking the assurance that God is not intimidated by anyone's past or sin, and exploring how Jesus actively pursued the broken rather than avoiding them.08:33 - The Story of the Leper (Matthew 8) An analysis of Jesus reaching out to touch and heal a leper, highlighting Christ's compassion, power, and willingness to restore those who feel rejected.14:43 - The Pitfall of Self-Righteousness & Religious Systems Examining Mark 2:17 and why trying to earn God's favor through moral effort or rule-keeping keeps people from experiencing genuine grace.18:00 - Truth #2: A Pursuit of God Changes Everything Discussing John 10:10 ("life to the full") and how whole-life Christianity impacts eternity as well as daily relational, emotional, and practical living.20:55 - The Full-Circle Faith Framework: Trusting Jesus Understanding the first arrow of the full-circle model: starting a relationship with God strictly through faith in Jesus Christ rather than self-improvement or good works (Romans 3:22).28:53 - The Full-Circle Faith Framework: Living to Honor God Exploring how genuine faith shifts internal desires, leading believers to align their choices, habits, and allegiance with God out of gratitude rather than obligation.Key TakeawaysGod Is Willing and Good: Jesus's interaction with the leper demonstrates that God possesses both the power to transform lives and the desire to draw near to those who feel defiled or far away.Salvation Is a Gift, Not an Achievement: Relationship with God begins solely by placing faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:22). It cannot be bought, earned, or supplemented by human effort.Faith Is a Journey, Not Just a Destination: Following Christ offers "life to the full" (John 10:10), impacting every area of daily living—relationships, habits, and internal peace—rather than just securing a future outcome.Grace Drives Obedience: Good works do not earn salvation; rather, experiencing God's free gift creates a natural desire to live a life that honors Him out of gratitude and love.

If you've spent years trying to clean up your behavior through tips, tricks, and sheer willpower, only to land right back where you started, this conversation is for you. We're moving past exterior "fixes" and diving straight into the root issue: the heart.Episode Timestamps– The Vomit Analogy: Why returning to destructive habits isn't just a bad habit—it's a nature problem.– Giving the Dog a Bath: Why YouTube videos, programs, and external discipline keep failing you.– The Hard Truth: Stop blaming your past, your friends, or your environment—taking ownership of your choices.– The Root vs. The Fruit: How lust and addiction hide deeper issues like pride, jealousy, and anger.– The Carfax of Your Soul: Facing the reality that your best effort will never be enough to fix a broken nature.– "I'll Pay Full Price": The powerful shift from fighting for freedom to fighting from freedom.– Inside-Out Transformation: Moving from external behavior management to a complete heart renewal.

While modern business gurus like Steven Bartlett and Elon Musk emphasize extending time horizons from 5 to 50 years to build durable, multi-generational companies, they are still only scratching the surface. In this episode, we explore how the principles of long-term thinking, foundational architecture, and building "durable moats" in business directly parallel the teachings of Jesus and the Scriptures. If extending your time horizon changes the way you construct a business, extending it to eternity should fundamentally transform how you structure your entire life. Discover why worldly success without an eternal foundation is an unstable build, and how you can stop, reset, and anchor your soul on bedrock.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--To entrepreneurs today, Jesus would say that true success requires extending your time horizon beyond temporal wealth to eternity by building your life on the solid foundation of His teachings. While modern business strategy emphasizes long-term planning to create lasting value, Jesus challenges business leaders to consider the state of their eternal souls. Real security comes from trusting in God rather than unreliable riches, storing up heavenly treasure, and living with an eternal perspective.The Problem with Short-Term ThinkingModern business culture preaches the power of long-term vision. Consultants and top executives encourage founders to look past five-year exit strategies and plan for fifty-year horizons to build durable companies. Extended timeframes naturally demand stronger foundational decisions. Yet, from a biblical standpoint, even a fifty-year business strategy remains dangerously short-sighted.Jesus addressed the trap of temporal focus when He posed a fundamental question to His followers.Mark 8:36-37 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?Many driven professionals achieve massive financial success while inadvertently sacrificing their marriages, families, and spiritual well-being. They focus entirely on temporal outcomes while ignoring eternal realities. The Bible teaches that every human being will live forever somewhere. Consequently, evaluating life solely through the lens of earthly achievements ignores our ultimate destiny. God calls us to expand our planning far beyond a decade or a career.Riches Are Unreliable FoundationsBuilding a life on wealth creates a fragile structure that cannot withstand the storms of life or the reality of eternity. Money itself is not evil, but placing your trust in it creates a dangerous spiritual trap. Wealth offers a false sense of security that quickly evaporates when facing loss, tragedy, or death.The apostle Paul provided clear instructions for those who experience financial success, highlighting where true confidence belongs.1 Timothy 6:17-19 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this, they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.Paul does not condemn money; rather, he warns against trusting in its stability. When business leaders redirect their resources toward generosity and good works, they shift their investments into an infrastructure that lasts. True life is found not in accumulating capital, but in knowing and serving the God who generously provides.The Danger of Storing Up Earthly WealthJesus frequently warned His listeners about the spiritual blindness caused by materialism. In a culture driven by net worth and asset accumulation, His warnings hit home for high achievers. He told a parable about a successful farmer who produced a bumper crop and decided to tear down his barns to build bigger ones so he could relax for decades.Luke 12:20-21 But God said to him, "You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?" Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.Jesus called this successful manager a fool not because he was good at business, but because he was completely unprepared for eternity. He planned for early retirement while neglecting his relationship with God. When we invest all our energy, time, and talent into temporary ventures, our hearts naturally follow those investments.Matthew 6:19-21 Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.Aligning your desires with God's kingdom protects you from placing supreme value on things that will eventually decay.Rebuilding on the Ultimate RockBuilding a high-rise building requires digging a deep foundation. If you try to add extra floors to a building constructed on a weak base, the entire structure eventually collapses under stress. Many professionals reach a plateau or experience a crisis because they attempted to build a massive life on a weak base.Jesus concluded His Sermon on the Mount by contrasting two types of builders.Matthew 7:24-27 Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rains come in torrents and the flood waters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse because it's built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn't obey is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.The storms of life test every life and career. When difficulty strikes, only a life built on obedience to Christ stands firm. Rebuilding your life on Jesus requires taking a step back, repenting of self-reliance, and allowing Him to transform your priorities from the ground up.The apostle Paul reinforced this truth when evaluating our lifelong work.1 Corinthians 3:11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.Every achievement, business venture, and earthly status symbol will one day pass through the testing fire of God's judgment. Works driven by pride and temporal greed will burn away, but efforts built on faith, obedience, and love for Christ will yield eternal rewards.The TakeawayTo entrepreneurs today, Jesus offers a loving warning and a call to true wisdom. Achieving market success means very little if you lose your eternal soul in the process. While business strategies require vision, your ultimate focus belongs on eternity. Reevaluate your priorities today, ensure your confidence rests in Christ rather than your wealth, and rebuild your life on the rock of His Word.

What happens when you achieve the ultimate "world's version" of success—building websites with 15 million monthly views—but you're still miserable inside? In this transparent interview, Vic (the entrepreneur behind Screen Rant and Game Rant) shares his 15-year journey of tracking 34,000 food entries, surviving 11 surgeries, enduring a divorce, and ultimately finding true redemption through faith in Jesus. Vic discusses his new book, "The Last 10 Pounds," and breaks down why so many men chase the wrong idols (like money and body image) before realizing what truly matters. Whether you need to fix your physical fitness or your spiritual foundation, this episode will show you how to start your own "redeemed second half."--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--

We exposes how pride and burnout sabotage growth, offering a practical plan to reset through honesty and daily discipline.Chronological Chapter Topics:– The Illusion of Strength: The danger of preaching discipline while living in secret failure.– The Burnout Spiral: How reaching Day 70 and facing unexpected stress led to total capitulation.– Deconstructing the Enemy's Lies: How fear of future failure keeps us from taking the first step today.– Impress vs. Influence: Why impressing people requires distance, but making an impact requires proximity and vulnerability.– The Blueprint for Recovery: Breaking down a strict daily action plan (routine, scripture, physical discipline, and content fasting).– Exposing Hidden Pride: Why pride is just as destructive as lust—and how it quietly sabotages spiritual growth.– The Power of One Step: Lessons from a 105-degree run: Applying the "just one more" mindset to daily discipline.

In this episode, we look at John Lennox's conversation with Stephen Bartlett to learn how Christians can share the gospel with skeptics, agnostics, and curious seekers. Lennox models a thoughtful but personal approach, moving beyond debate to the deeper questions of truth, grace, forgiveness, and a real relationship with Jesus. --The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--

This episode explores the difference between toxic Christian nationalism, progressive Christianity, and faithful biblical truth. At the center is one key question: are we letting Scripture define Jesus, or are we reshaping Him to fit our politics and culture?--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--

This episode delivers a hard-hitting tactical blueprint to help men reclaim control over their thoughts from the grip of mental temptation by using a 3-step discipline routine rooted in breathing, Scripture, and positive mental substitution.Key TakeawaysYour Brain is the Supreme Battlefield: External adjustments are vital, but victory or defeat is entirely decided in your internal thought life. If you cannot control your thoughts, you cannot claim true self-control.The Brain Cannot Differentiate Fantasy from Reality: Entertaining lustful thoughts triggers the same neurological damage as physical compromise. You are feeding a mental cancer that will continuously demand more territory.The Law of Positive Substitution: The human mind cannot process negative commands effectively (e.g., "don't think about a pink elephant"). True thought discipline requires replacing a toxic thought with a highly detailed, positive focus (like skiing down a favorite mountain).Expect the Neural Backlash: When you begin enforcing boundaries, your brain will rebel with intense, highly intrusive, or shocking thoughts to force you back into old dopamine loops. This is a sign of a dying habit, not a personal failure.Mentioned in This EpisodeScripture Passage: Romans 12:2 (The renewing of your mind)Scripture Passage: Ephesians 6 (The Armor of God & The Sword of the Spirit)Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (Flee sexual immorality, you were bought at a price)Scripture Passage: Philippians 4:8 (Fix your thoughts on what is true, pure, and lovely)

Some people look at the New Testament and wonder if Jesus and the Apostle Paul were actually preaching two different religions. But when you look at the raw biblical text, you find perfect harmony. Was Jesus' gospel different than Paul's gospel? No, both taught the exact same message: humanity is trapped in sin, the law shows our need for a Savior, salvation comes only through Jesus, and we must confess our faith openly.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--

In this episode, we go over how unchecked eyes secretly ruin your personal defenses and drive your life toward temptation. 1. Chronological "Chapter" Timestamps[00:00] - The Driver's Ed Rule: Why your life inevitably drifts in the exact direction of your eyes.[01:15] - The Citadel and the Open Gate: How bad eye discipline allows the enemy to quietly assemble an army inside your walls.[02:10] - The National Geographic Mindset: Confronting the toxic habit of taking "mental snapshots" for later.[03:30] - The Act of Stealing: Why looking with lust objectifies others and strips away your own future loyalty.[04:45] - The Overflowing Bucket: How temptation builds gradually drop-by-drop until sudden failure occurs.[06:00] - Master the "Eye Bounce": The practical, immediate action step to redirect your gaze and your mind.[07:15] - The Covenant of Job: Relying on Scripture (Job 31:1) to anchor your visual integrity.[08:40] - The 6-Week Neurological Shift: What to expect when your eyes stop fighting against you and start fighting for you.2. Deep-Dive Key TakeawaysThe Law of Visual Direction: Just like driving a car at 70 mph or navigating a mountain bike through a berm, your body biologically follows your gaze. If you look at the median, you crash into it. If you look at lust, your life steers directly into it.The Illusion of Sudden Failure: Relapse never happens all at once. Your mind is a bucket left out in a rainstorm. Every lingering look is a single drop of water. You don't notice the danger early on, but eventually, the bucket overflows and breaks. Moving the bucket means refusing to collect the drops.Lust as Spiritual Theft: Looking lustfully at a woman is not a victimless crime. It is an act of theft—stealing her dignity, stealing your own integrity, and stealing the exclusive loyalty that belongs to your future or current wife.

In this episode, we break down the critical framework of "environment discipline" and why trying to negotiate with your daily temptations is a guaranteed path to failure.Chronological Chapter Timestamps[00:00] — The Ultimate Test of Resolve Why this specific topic separates the men from the boys and causes immediate pushback from almost every man who hears it.[00:55] — The Metaphor of the Midnight Thief A visual breakdown of how we willingly leave our windows unlocked and keys in the door for an enemy that destroys everything we love.[02:15] — The Myth of Negotiating with Temptation Confronting the toxic illusion that you can keep the apps, late-night habits, and toxic friends while expecting your life to change.[04:00] — Introduction to Environment Discipline Defining the core framework of the fight: why you should never risk fighting a temptation tomorrow that you can eliminate today.[05:20] — The Cannons on the Hill Using wartime terminology to illustrate the sheer arrogance of leaving weapons of mass destruction aimed directly at your encampment.[06:45] — Do You Actually Want to Be Healed? Diving deep into the biblical account of the paralyzed man at the pool and what it truly means to "pick up your mat" and leave your old life behind.[09:10] — The Consequence of Extremity vs. Moderation Weighing the minor social discomfort of being "too extreme" against the catastrophic cost of not being extreme enough.[11:00] — Burning the Ships: Lessons from Cortez How historical commander Hernán Cortés forced absolute commitment from his men, and how to apply a "scorched earth" policy to your digital accounts.[13:10] — Amputation Over Accommodation Unpacking Jesus' radical command to gouge out eyes and cut off hands, translating ancient truth into modern digital boundaries.[15:45] — The 100-Day Scorched Earth Action Plan How to audit your environment tonight, pull your Fight Club into the loop, and commit to a season of absolute clearance.Key TakeawaysThe Illusion of Negotiation You cannot sit in the muck of the pigpen and expect to stay clean. Keeping triggering apps, watching boundary-pushing TV shows, or hanging out with friends who fuel your bad habits is a soft compromise that always ends in failure. If nothing changes, nothing changes.Environment Discipline Over Willpower Willpower is a finite resource. Environment discipline removes the battle entirely by asking a simple question: Why risk fighting a temptation tomorrow if you have the power to eliminate it today? Your environment directly dictates your visual inputs, which ultimately drive your thoughts, feelings, and actions.The "Mat" of Comfort When Jesus healed the paralyzed man, telling him to "pick up his mat" wasn't just a physical instruction—it was an environmental command. The mat represented his old life, his comfort zone, and his identity as a beggar. Carrying it meant he was leaving that space permanently with no option to return.Abstinence Over Moderation Moderation leaves the door shut but completely unlocked. Abstinence bars the entrance entirely. True freedom requires a "scorched earth" strategy—deleting your actual accounts (not just removing the apps) so that re-downloading them out of boredom or loneliness is no longer an easy escape route.

Sharing your faith with a Muslim friend is a beautiful opportunity, but it can also feel a bit intimidating if you aren't sure where to start. The best way to share your faith isn't through winning an argument or proving someone wrong; it's through building a genuine, loving relationship centered on the person of Jesus. Because Islam and Christianity share some common language but have very different definitions for those words, a patient and clear approach is key.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--

In this episode, we discuss how establishing a structured daily routine serves as the ultimate weapon for breaking free from destructive cycles and maintaining long-term spiritual freedom.Key TakeawaysRoutine is Your Foundation: Think of a structured routine as building your life on solid rock. Without it, your discipline feels shaky, leaving you highly vulnerable to old triggers when life gets chaotic.The Power of the Bookends: Master your morning and evening. Establishing strict, consistent wake-up and bedtimes creates the psychological boundaries necessary to maintain daily self-control.Structure Eradicates Vulnerability: Lust thrives in unstructured gaps of time. By proactively mapping out your day, you drastically reduce the idle moments where temptation typically strikes.The Trifecta of Daily Defense: True freedom is maintained through three core daily habits: Dedicated Spiritual Time to ground your mind, Journaling (especially video journaling) to track your triggers and progress, and Physical Exercise (like a simple daily push-up challenge) to burn off restless energy and foster physical discipline.Consistency Over Intensity: Overambitious schedules lead to rapid burnout. Keep your routine remarkably simple and sustainable—doing the small things every single day is what builds the "save button" for your progress.Chapters[00:00] — The Solid Rock: Why routine is the essential, missing foundation for a sustainable life.[00:28] — My Story: A personal look at breaking free from lust and the exact role routine played in that victory.[01:58] — Breaking the Relapse Cycle: How a structured day acts as the ultimate pattern-interrupter for chronic habits.[04:15] — Redefining Discipline: Shifting your mindset from seeing routine as a punishment to seeing it as your ultimate path to freedom.[05:12] — Eliminating Idle Time: How to use scheduling as a shield against temptation during unstructured hours.[07:33] — The 5 Core Habits: A practical breakdown of wake-up times, sleep, spiritual focus, journaling, and exercise.[09:20] — Tracking the Triggers: How written and video journaling expose the patterns behind your slips.[13:02] — Managing Restless Energy: Utilizing simple physical movement (like daily push-ups) to build physical self-control.[15:22] — The Burnout Trap: Why keeping your habits simple and manageable prevents dangerous exhaustion.[16:42] — The Progress "Save Button": How the cumulative power of small actions locks in your spiritual gains over time.[21:04] — A Shield, Not a Cure: Understanding that routine doesn't instantly solve the problem—it creates the environment for victory to happen.[23:25] — The Final Key: Why doing the small things daily beats rare, intense efforts every single time.

The main difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims centers on a historical disagreement over who should have led the Muslim community after the prophet Muhammad died in 632 AD. Sunni Muslims believe the leader should be elected from among the most capable members of the community, while Shia Muslims believe leadership belongs exclusively to the direct descendants of Muhammad's family. Today, this distinction shapes everything from their religious practices and leadership structures to the modern political landscape of the Middle East.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--

In this episode, we break down the critical necessity of building a confidential "Fight Club" brotherhood to break free from the trap of lust and isolation. We walk through how to identify hidden blind spots, unpack a powerful four-question framework for mandatory daily check-ins, and lay down three non-negotiable rules of accountability.⏱️ Chronological "Chapter" Timestamps[00:00] — The Image to Protect The trap of the naturally guilty conscience, keeping secrets from the world, and the 5-year refusal to accept parental advice on vulnerability.[01:14] — The 80% Reality Check Deconstructing the lie that you are alone or weird. Overcoming the pride and ego that prevent men from admitting they lack the willpower to do it alone.[02:18] — Isolation Breeds Lust Why isolation is the ultimate breeding ground for bondage. A direct call to action: Pause the podcast and go find your army.[03:39] — Force Multipliers & Spotting Blind Spots The difference between being a target in a trench and being an unstoppable force. How trusted brothers see the hidden vulnerabilities—like deep-seated insecurities about masculinity—that you are blind to.[05:07] — The Sunlight of Accountability Defining accountability through the lens of truth. Why keeping even 1% of your battle in the dark keeps you in chains.[06:33] — The Anatomy of a Daily Check-In Moving past the weekly debrief to high-frequency consistency. Introducing the 4-question framework to keep your brotherhood razor-sharp.[10:14] — The 3 Non-Negotiable Rules of Fight Club The blueprint for a trusted unit: Be Clear (absolute honesty), Be Confidential (sacred trust), and Be Committed (iron sharpening iron).Key TakeawaysIsolation is the Breeding Ground: Every struggle with lust begins and thrives because you think you are alone in that room or with your phone. Freedom cannot grow in the dark; it requires public exposure to trusted allies.Pride is the Ultimate Chainsmith: The ego convinces you that asking for help is an admission of weakness. In reality, admitting you cannot do it alone is the exact moment the enemy loses his leverage over you.The "Force Multiplier" Effect: A single soldier standing alone in a trench is just a target. When you link arms with a fight club, you transform from a passive target into an offensive military force that can fight back and win.Vulnerabilities Drive the Vice: Lust is rarely just about a tempting image or a passing thought; it is fueled by unaddressed emotions like stress, anxiety, or deep insecurities regarding your masculinity.Lies by Omission are Links in the Chain: Withholding the parts of your battle that you think are "too weird" or shameful ensures you stay in bondage. If your fight club doesn't know 100% of the truth, they can only help 0% of the problem.

Sharia law is the comprehensive legal and moral code that guides every aspect of a Muslim's life, from religious rituals to social justice and personal conduct. The word “Sharia” literally means “the path to the water hole,” symbolizing a clear, life-giving way to live in obedience to God. For Muslims, following Sharia isn't just about following rules; it's about submitting to the will of Allah in hopes of living a righteous life and earning a place in Paradise.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--

The core teachings of Islam are built on the concept of total submission to the will of Allah. At the heart of the faith are the “Five Pillars of Islam,” which act as the mandatory framework for a Muslim's life. These teachings emphasize monotheism, daily discipline, and the pursuit of righteousness through a system of religious laws and works. From a Christian perspective, while these pillars show a deep commitment to God, they represent a path to salvation based on human effort rather than the free gift of grace.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--

If you're looking for what Islam teaches about Jesus and the Bible, you'll find a mix of high respect and significant disagreement. Islam teaches that Jesus, known as Isa, was a major prophet born of a virgin and a miracle-worker sent by God. However, Islam explicitly denies that Jesus is the Son of God or that he died on the cross for sins. While Muslims view the Bible as originally divine, they believe its current form is corrupted and has been replaced by the Quran.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--

If you're looking into the history of Islam, you'll find a story that began in the seventh century with a man named Muhammad in the city of Mecca. Islam emerged as a monotheistic religion that spread rapidly through trade, preaching, and military conquest across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. From a biblical perspective, understanding the history of Islam helps us see how this major world religion developed in relation to the Judeo-Christian tradition.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--

See the full series: Israel and The Church--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--

Replacement theology, also known as supersessionism, is the theological view that the Christian church has replaced the nation of Israel in God's plan. According to this perspective, the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ makes the Old Covenant with the Jewish people obsolete. Essentially, it teaches that the promises, blessings, and spiritual identity once reserved for Israel have been transferred to the church because of Israel's rejection of Jesus as the Messiah.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--Notes

Covenant theology is a framework for understanding the Bible that sees God's relationship with humanity as a series of formal agreements, or “covenants.” Rather than seeing the Bible as a collection of disconnected stories, this perspective views the entire biblical narrative—from Adam in the Garden to the return of Christ—as a single, unified plan of redemption. At its heart, covenant theology emphasizes that God is a promise-keeper who has always intended to save a people for himself through the work of Jesus Christ.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--

Christian Zionism is a belief system and movement among some Christians, primarily Evangelicals, who support the right of the Jewish people to return to their ancestral homeland and the modern State of Israel. This support is rooted in a literal interpretation of the Bible, specifically the belief that God's covenant with Abraham regarding the land is eternal and unconditional. For many Christian Zionists, the establishment of Israel in 1948 is seen as a direct fulfillment of biblical prophecy and a key prerequisite for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--

Dispensationalism is the theological system that stands as the primary alternative to covenant theology. It teaches that God has worked through different “dispensations”—or distinct periods of time—throughout history, each with its own specific rules and responsibilities for humanity. While covenant theology emphasizes a single, unified plan for one people of God, dispensationalism emphasizes that God has two distinct plans: one for the nation of Israel and one for the church.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--

The way you interpret the Bible—specifically whether you lean toward Covenant Theology or Dispensationalism—acts like a pair of glasses. It colors everything you see when you look at a map of the Middle East or read the evening news. Your theology determines whether you view the modern State of Israel as a miraculous fulfillment of biblical prophecy or as a secular nation-state unrelated to the “True Israel” of the church.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--

The Bible teaches that Jesus had to die because God is both perfectly holy and perfectly loving. Since every human has sinned, we owe a debt to God's justice that we cannot pay ourselves. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, died as our substitute, taking the punishment we deserved. His sacrifice satisfies God's justice while offering us complete forgiveness and eternal life as a free gift.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--

In this episode, Pastor Bryan challenges the myth of instant spiritual transformation and explains how real change happens through the slow, often messy process of progressive sanctification—where God works in us over time to shape us into who we already are in Christ. If you've ever felt stuck in the same struggles, this conversation offers hope by showing that the struggle itself is actually evidence that God is still at work in you.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--

Welcome back! When you become a Christian, your old nature—the person you were apart from God—is legally and spiritually dead, but it is not yet physically destroyed. The Bible teaches that you are a “new creation” in Christ, yet you still live in a fallen body with old habits. While the power of sin is broken, the presence of sin remains, leading to an ongoing internal struggle between your new spiritual identity and your old sinful patterns.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--

Welcome back to the Truth Podcast!In this episode, we explore the structural backbone of the entire Bible: The Covenants. From the rainbow over Noah to the cross of Christ, God has used formal, binding agreements to reveal his character and his unfolding plan for salvation. We'll discuss the difference between a cold legal contract and a relational biblical covenant, and how each major agreement—Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, and Davidic—ultimately finds its fulfillment in the New Covenant through Jesus Christ. Whether you are new to the faith or a long-time believer, understanding these divine promises will help you see the "big picture" of God's unwavering commitment to humanity.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--

In part two of this story, Kevin and Jennifer continue their journey as they wrestle with what faithfulness to God looks like after discovering they still had frozen embryos from IVF 20 years earlier. They share how the Lord led them through difficult decisions, unexpected pregnancy in their fifties, and offer thoughtful advice to believers navigating infertility, IVF, and the sanctity of life.--The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--Links mentioned in epiosde: Kevin and Jennifer's youtube channel. "And the test results are..."Allie Beth Stuckey - Why I'm Glad Alabama Has Banned IVF In part two of this remarkable story, Kevin and Jennifer Gordon share how God led them through an unexpected next chapter decades after their infertility journey first began. After adopting their daughter, welcoming two sons through IVF and natural pregnancy, and leaving frozen embryos untouched for 20 years, they found themselves wrestling with what obedience to God would look like now. What followed was a faith-filled journey of prayer, wise counsel, medical hurdles, and ultimately a pregnancy in Jennifer's fifties that neither of them would have chosen on their own.This episode is a powerful conversation about life, conviction, and surrender. Kevin and Jennifer reflect honestly on the emotional, spiritual, and practical realities of IVF, frozen embryos, adoption, and trusting God when the path makes no human sense. Their story challenges listeners to think carefully about the sanctity of life, the cost of obedience, and the goodness of God in every season.

In this episode we peel back the layers of the Genesis narrative to reveal a startling truth: Eden wasn't a retirement villa; it was a high-stakes job site. By examining the original Hebrew context, we discover that Adam and Eve were the world's first priests, stationed in a "Garden-Temple" where the borders of heaven and earth met. We explore how their original mandate to "work and keep" the land was actually a sacred liturgical commission—the same one later given to the Levites in the Tabernacle. From the failure of the "first security guard" to the restoration found in the "Last Adam," this episode reframes your daily 9-to-5 not as a secular grind, but as a holy vocation. You aren't just earning a paycheck; you are an image-bearer called to bring God's presence into every cubicle, classroom, and corner of the world.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate NowHow Did Adam and Eve Function Like Priests in Eden?

In this part one episode, Kevin and Jennifer Gordon share their remarkable journey through years of infertility, miscarriage, IVF, and adoption—and how, after decades of trusting God through disappointment and unexpected blessings, they now find themselves stepping into an unbelievable new chapter: a pregnancy at 52.--The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--Kevin and Jennifer Gordon join Tracy and Bryan on the Family Podcast to share the shocking news that Jennifer is pregnant at 52 years old—and how that moment is the latest chapter in a decades-long journey of infertility, grief, faith, and surrender. They rewind to their early marriage dreams of having 2–3 kids, a heartbreaking miscarriage, and years of “nothing, nothing, nothing,” followed by difficult decisions about fertility treatments they didn't fully understand and even feared might be “playing God.” Through prayer, unexpected open doors, and wise counsel from a godly mentor, they eventually pursued IVF—while God was also softening their hearts toward adoption.Their story takes a dramatic turn as God redirects them to adopt their daughter from China, then later leads them back to their frozen embryos—resulting in the birth of their son Eli through IVF and another surprise: a natural pregnancy that brought their third child, Ethan. With three kids and years passing, they left remaining embryos frozen, assuming they'd “deal with it later,” even as a quiet conviction lingered. In recent years, new cultural conversations about embryos reignited the issue, and Jennifer sensed God stirring again. The episode ends at a powerful Good Friday service where she realizes she's been holding a hidden “no” toward God—and she fully surrenders, open to whatever God asks next, even if it means something unimaginable in their 50s.

FAILURE TO LAUNCHBig Idea: Spiritual maturity isn't about age; it's about the “launch.” It's the moment you stop being a consumer of the church and start being a contributor to the mission.In 2018, a bizarre story made national headlines. A 30-year-old man named Michael Rotondo was sued by his own parents because he refused to move out of their house. He didn't pay rent. He didn't help with chores. He ignored written eviction notices. Eventually, his parents had to take him to court just to get him to leave. The judge ruled that being a family member doesn't entitle someone to stay indefinitely without contributing. He was ordered to launch.We laugh at stories like that because they feel extreme. But the author of Hebrews delivers a similar rebuke—not to a lazy adult son, but to churchgoers who refused to grow up spiritually.Hebrews 5:11–14 (NLT) says:“There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don't seem to listen.You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God's word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food.For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn't know how to do what is right.Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.”The message is clear: spiritual maturity isn't automatic. It doesn't come with time served in church. It comes with intentional growth.Today we see three marks of spiritual “grown-ups” straight from this text.1. Spiritual grown-ups don't just read — they study.The author rebukes them for still needing “milk.” Milk isn't bad. It's essential for babies. But it's tragic for adults. Milk is predigested. It requires no effort.Spiritually speaking, “milk” is relying only on what others say about God. It's surviving on a weekly sermon and never digging deeper. If your only spiritual intake is 30 minutes on Sunday, you're on a liquid diet.Reading the Bible is good. It's like taking a scenic drive through beautiful country. Studying the Bible is getting out of the car and reading the historical markers. It means slowing down and asking questions.That's where inductive Bible study comes in:Observation: What does the text say?Interpretation: What did it mean to the original audience?Application: How does it apply today?The Bible was written to people in a specific time and culture, but it was written for us. Studying moves us from surface-level familiarity to life-shaping understanding.And this leads naturally to the second mark of maturity.2. Spiritual grown-ups don't just study — they apply.Hebrews 5:13 says an infant “doesn't know how to do what is right.” Knowledge without obedience produces immaturity.You can know Greek word studies. You can debate theology. You can listen to endless podcasts. But if you don't obey, you're spiritually stalled.Verse 14 says mature believers are those who “through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.” The word “training” comes from the Greek word gymnazō — where we get “gymnasium.” Growth requires exercise.Application is spiritual training. It's forgiveness when it's hard. It's generosity when it's costly. It's integrity when no one is watching.Information alone doesn't transform. Obedience does.If we only “taste” truth without walking in it, our hearts grow dull. Discernment comes from practiced obedience.3. Spiritual grown-ups don't just apply — they teach.Hebrews 5:12 says, “You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others.”This is the launch.The goal of maturity isn't self-improvement. It's multiplication.Ephesians 4:14 (NLT) says:“Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching.”Teaching others stabilizes your own faith. When you pour out, you grow up.There is a shift every believer must make—from consumer to contributor. From audience to ambassador. From “What am I getting?” to “Who am I helping?”The cure for spiritual dullness isn't more consumption. It's contribution.When Michael Rotondo was evicted, he didn't thank his parents. He said he was outraged. He wanted to stay a child forever.God loves us too much to let us stay spiritually rotund—full but unproductive. He calls us out of comfort and into mission.Don't fight the launch. Don't settle for the bottle when God has a feast—and a purpose—waiting for you.Spiritual maturity isn't about how long you've believed. It's about whether you've launched.

In this episode Pastor Bryan challenges the popular but dangerous habit of "narcissistic" Bible reading—treating the Scriptures like a mirror to validate our own feelings rather than a window into the mind of God. By exploring the critical distinction between Eisegesis (reading our own meaning into the text) and Exegesis (drawing God's meaning out of it), we uncover how misusing "inspiring" verses like Jeremiah 29:11 or Philippians 4:13 can actually silence the Holy Spirit's true intent. Listeners will walk away with a practical four-pillar framework for Hermeneutics, shifting from seeking "nuggets of personal approval" to encountering the transformative, Christ-centered reality of the Word.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate NowKeyword: Bible StudyWhat's the Difference between Eisegesis and Exegesis?What Is Biblical Hermeneutics?--

In this episode, Tracy explains why forgiveness isn't passive, instant, or pretending the hurt didn't happen—it's an active, ongoing choice that makes healing and growth possible in your marriage. She unpacks what forgiveness is (and isn't), shows what it can look like in real-life scenarios, and challenges both spouses to not only give forgiveness but ask for it with humility.--The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--Gary Chapman's book: The Five Languages of Apology Video from the Marriage Channel: The F Word that Can Save Your Marriage Forgiveness in Marriage: The Choice That Changes EverythingEvery marriage will face hurt. Expectations will be missed. Words will be spoken in frustration. Sometimes there will even be deep betrayal. The question isn't if you'll need forgiveness in your marriage — it's whether you'll choose it.Forgiveness is not passive. It's not pretending the hurt didn't happen. And it's not a “magic eraser” that wipes away pain overnight. Biblical forgiveness is an active, ongoing choice. It's the decision to release the offense so that healing and growth can begin.When Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive someone, Jesus answered, “seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:21-22. That wasn't a literal number — it was a posture. Forgiveness is meant to characterize the heart of a follower of Christ.What Forgiveness Is1. Forgiveness Is a ChoiceForgiveness doesn't always feel natural. It's a deliberate decision not to replay the offense over and over or use it as ammunition in the next argument. It's choosing not to hold your spouse hostage to their failure.2. Forgiveness Is a GiftYou're giving your spouse space to grow. You're saying, “You hurt me, but I'm willing to move forward instead of weaponizing this against you.” It creates room for rebuilding.3. Forgiveness Is Active and OngoingSome wounds are deep. If there has been infidelity, addiction, or repeated betrayal, forgiveness may not be a one-time event. It may be something you choose daily — even moment by moment — as painful memories resurface.4. Forgiveness Means Giving Up VengeanceHolding onto bitterness may feel justified, but it poisons your heart. Hebrews 12:15 warns about the “poisonous root of bitterness.” Revenge does not create healing soil for reconciliation.What Forgiveness Is NotForgiveness does not mean forgetting. It does not minimize the offense. And it does not automatically restore trust.Trust and forgiveness are not the same thing. Forgiveness is a proactive gift. Trust is rebuilt over time through consistent behavior. If your spouse betrayed you, forgiveness opens the door for healing — but trust must be earned.God's Model for MarriageAs followers of Jesus, our ultimate model is God Himself.Ephesians 4:32 tells us to be “kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”Psalm 103:10-12 reminds us that God does not treat us as our sins deserve. He removes our sins “as far from us as the east is from the west.”Romans 5:8 declares that Christ died for us while we were still sinners.When we remember how much we've been forgiven, it softens our hearts toward our spouse. We've offended a holy God far more than our spouse has offended us — yet He forgives with compassion.What Forgiveness Looks Like in Real LifeScenario 1: Missed ExpectationsMaybe your spouse is chronically late. They forget anniversaries. They don't plan date nights. Forgiveness here might look like clearly communicating your expectations instead of silently building resentment. It might mean maintaining a posture that wants your spouse to succeed — not secretly hoping they fail so you can feel justified.It also means refusing to live in “negative sentiment override,” constantly focusing on their flaws. Instead, choose to remember the qualities you love about them and invite trusted mentors or counselors to help you grow.Scenario 2: Betrayal (Pornography Relapse or Infidelity)This is heavier. Forgiveness in this case does not mean ignoring the betrayal. It means honest confrontation, outside help, accountability structures, and clear expectations.Forgiveness says, “I'm willing to give you space to rebuild trust.” It does not eliminate consequences, but it removes vengeance from the equation so healing can begin.Many couples have rebuilt after devastating betrayal — but it only happened because the offended spouse was willing to extend forgiveness, and the offending spouse was willing to earn trust.When You Need to Ask for ForgivenessForgiveness isn't only about giving it. Sometimes you need to ask for it.That requires humility. It means taking responsibility without shifting blame. It means saying clearly what you did wrong and asking for forgiveness.Healthy marriages are built when both spouses know how to forgive and how to repent.The Better Way ForwardBitterness is like gasoline on a fire. Forgiveness is the extinguisher. One destroys; the other creates space for rebuilding.If you want a healthy marriage, forgiveness cannot be optional. Pray for a softened heart. Meditate on how God has forgiven you. Choose forgiveness — again and again.It's not easy. But it is freeing. And it is God-honoring.

In this episode, former Mormon apologist Michael Flournoy shares how debating Christians and studying Scripture to defend Mormonism unexpectedly led him to the doctrine of grace—until he realized Jesus' righteousness is a gift, not something you earn. His journey exposes the “impossible gospel” of performance and points to the sufficiency of Christ alone.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--Link to "From Mormon Apologist to Christian: The Story of Michael Flournoy" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi5XP1Qh6Os The Story of Michael FlournoyWhat does it mean to be a “Mormon apologist”? Michael Flournoy explains it with a smile: it's not someone who's good at apologizing. It comes from the Greek word apologia—a defense. In other words, an apologist is someone who argues their case and tries to prove they're right.And for years, that was Michael.He wasn't employed by the LDS Church, but he took the job personally. As a Mormon missionary, Michael ran into evangelical Christians who used the Bible to challenge Mormon beliefs. Instead of backing down, he doubled down. He became a student of Scripture—not to surrender to it, but to “undermine” Christian arguments. He debated Christians online and in person, wrote a book titled A Biblical Defense of Mormonism, and tried to persuade Christians that Mormons were truly Christians… just with “more truth.”But the story doesn't stay there.When the Bible Didn't CooperateMichael describes an early turning point on his mission. A Christian man confronted him with questions about God's nature, authority, and salvation. The conversation became combative and intense, lasting hours. Meanwhile, Michael's missionary companion tried (and failed) to locate a key proof-text Michael assumed was in the Bible—something to support the Mormon idea that humans can become gods.As the Christian man quoted passage after passage from memory, Michael felt stunned. His assumption was simple: “The Bible is supposed to be on our side.” But suddenly, it felt like Scripture was testifying against him.That moment didn't immediately make Michael a Christian—but it did awaken something: a hunger for certainty. Mormonism often leaves people with shifting ground—“maybe the prophet was speaking as a man,” or “maybe that revelation was partly human.” Michael didn't want “maybe” anymore. He wanted truth that wouldn't move. So he committed to reading the Bible and believing what it said.Ironically, he came out of that study more convinced Mormonism was true—at least for a while. He was using the Bible, but he admits he didn't yet understand how to interpret it faithfully. He collected scattered verses, stretched meanings, and attempted what he later calls “mental gymnastics.” If Christians had to accept the Bible, he figured, he could use it as “checkmate” to prove Mormonism.So he finished his mission, got married, and even dropped out of college to write his book....

Have you ever wondered if you're a two-part or a three-part being? While many Christians use the terms "soul" and "spirit" interchangeably, others argue they represent distinct layers of our spiritual anatomy. In this episode, we dive deep into the classic theological debate between Dichotomy (body and soul/spirit) and Trichotomy (body, soul, and spirit). By exploring the Hebrew concept of nephesh, the "parallelism" of Mary's song, and the "piercing" metaphor in Hebrews 4:12, we uncover why this isn't just a technical word study—it's a vital look at how God redeems the whole person. Whether you feel like your emotions are at war with your faith or you're trying to map out your "inner self," this conversation clarifies how we are a unified "unity of dust and breath."--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate NowWhat Is The “Trichotomist” View Of Human Beings? - The trichotomist view is the theological perspective that human beings are composed of three distinct parts: body, soul, and spirit. While the “dichotomist” view—the idea that man is a unified being of material (body) and immaterial (soul/spirit)—has been the more dominant position throughout church history, trichotomy seeks to make a sharper distinction between our psychological life and our spiritual life. According to this framework, the soul and spirit are not just different words for the same thing, but separate components with unique functions.What Is the “Dichotomist” View of Human Beings? - The dichotomist view is the biblical and theological belief that human beings consist of two distinct parts: the material (the physical body) and the immaterial (the soul or spirit). Unlike the trichotomist view, which argues for a three-part breakdown of body, soul, and spirit, dichotomy suggests that “soul” and “spirit” are simply two different names for the same non-physical essence that lives on after the body dies.Is There a Difference Between Soul and Spirit? - The Bible uses the terms “soul” and “spirit” to describe the immaterial part of a human being, but most biblical scholars believe they refer to the same essence seen from different perspectives. While some argue for a three-part (trichotomist) view, the “dichotomist” view—that humans consist of two parts, a physical body and a unified spiritual soul—is the most consistent way to understand how Scripture describes our inner life.--Key Discussion PointsThe Vocabulary of Humanity: An introduction to "Theological Anthropology" and why science alone cannot explain the immaterial part of a human being.

In this episode, Tracy unpacks the pressure-filled world of youth sports and challenges parents to trade performance-driven parenting for Christ-centered encouragement that builds character instead of insecurity.--The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--Parenting Your Kids in Sports: Encouragement That Builds CharacterSports can be one of the best training grounds for kids—or one of the most stressful parts of family life. If the thought of your child's next game already makes you anxious, you're not alone. Many parents feel pressure (from coaches, culture, other parents, and even themselves) to treat childhood sports like a career path. And if you've ever found yourself internalizing your kid's performance as a reflection of your value as a parent, this topic is for you.Here's the big reality check: the sports world has changed fast. Not that long ago, kids played multiple sports at their local school and it was mostly about fun, learning skills, and being with friends. But today, it often feels like you have to “choose one sport,” join a competitive club, train year-round, travel constantly, and chase a scholarship—starting in elementary school. That pressure can turn sports from something healthy into something consuming.But before we even talk strategy, we have to talk about heart posture. Many of us are parenting out of baggage we've never named. Maybe you had a coach who humiliated you. Maybe your parents were overly intense—or totally checked out. Maybe you were the star athlete and it fed pride. Or maybe you always felt like you were on the outside trying to prove yourself. Whatever your story is, it shapes how you respond to your kid's wins, losses, effort, attitude, and mistakes.So here's the question that changes everything: Why do I care so much about my kid's performance?What does it “say about me” if they play well—or if they don't? If you can't answer that honestly, you'll struggle to parent this area in a healthy way. Because we can't lead our kids somewhere we haven't gone ourselves.Next, let's talk expectations. A lot of sports culture sells a dream: “We're going to get your kid a D1 scholarship.” But the odds are small. For many sports, only around 1–3% of high school athletes will reach that level. Most kids won't—and that's okay. The point of sports isn't to build a résumé. It's to build a person.So what should our emphasis be?Instead of obsessing over points, minutes, wins, and rankings, use sports to teach what matters in real life:How to be a good teammateHow to celebrate others' successHow to handle disappointmentHow to respect authority (even when it's imperfect)

In this episode Bryan connects the dots between modern prophetic scandals and early Mormonism, exposing how unchecked authority and “new revelation” can lead to deception, cover-up culture, and spiritual harm. This episode warns all believers to test everything against the Word of God, even in the Christian church. --The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--Cover-Up Culture and the Modern Prophetic MovementImagine believing a leader hears directly from God—only to discover manipulation, deception, and hidden sin behind the scenes. Recent scandals in parts of the modern prophetic movement have exposed troubling patterns of spiritual abuse, cover-ups, and unchecked authority.In this episode, we connect the dots between today's prophetic controversies and similar patterns from church history—particularly early Mormonism. This isn't about attacking charismatic Christians. It's about recognizing red flags that can emerge whenever leaders claim special revelation and avoid accountability.The goal? Spiritual discernment. Protecting your faith. Keeping your eyes on Jesus.What We Cover in This Episode1. What Is the Modern “Prophetic Movement”?In some charismatic and Pentecostal circles, certain leaders claim to receive fresh, specific revelations from God. With social media and online platforms, these voices now have massive reach and influence.Recent investigations have exposed:Data mining disguised as prophecyManipulation through spiritual languageAllegations of moral failure and abuseInstitutional efforts to protect reputations over victimsThese patterns aren't new.2. The Historical Parallel: Early MormonismIn the 1800s, Joseph Smith claimed prophetic authority and new revelation. Over time, a culture developed that:Shielded leadership from accountabilitySuppressed inconvenient truthsProtected institutional reputationMinimized or denied moral failuresThe release of the Gospel Topics Essays in 2013 revealed how long some historical realities had been obscured.The lesson? Cover-up culture thrives wherever leaders claim unquestionable authority.The Core Issue: Authority and “New Revelation”The connective tissue between past and present movements is this idea:When someone claims direct revelation from God that overrides Scripture or bypasses accountability, danger follows.Scripture never elevates...

Greater Than the G.O.A.T.Hebrews 3:1–6Who's the Greatest of All Time?In football, fans argue over quarterbacks. In basketball, it's Jordan or LeBron. In soccer, Messi or Ronaldo. Every generation debates its heroes. Today we're asking that same question—but for the Bible.If you had asked a first-century Jewish believer, the answer would have been simple: Moses. He wasn't just a leader. He was the prophet, the lawgiver, the deliverer, the mediator. If you had Moses, you had everything.But Hebrews chapter 3 makes a bold claim: Jesus is greater.The Pressure to Go BackThe book of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians under intense pressure. They were facing persecution and social rejection. Following Jesus wasn't easy. Going back to Judaism—to Moses—looked safer.Can you relate? Sometimes faith costs something. Maybe it's awkward conversations at work. Maybe it's tension in your family. In those moments, the “old life” can look comfortable.That's why the author writes:Hebrews 3:1–6 (NLT)“And so, dear brothers and sisters who belong to God… think carefully about this Jesus whom we declare to be God's messenger and High Priest… Moses was certainly faithful in God's house as a servant… But Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God's entire house. And we are God's house, if we keep our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ.”Moses was faithful. But Jesus is greater.Why Moses? Because to understand how great Jesus is, you have to understand how great Moses was.1. The Prophet: The Mouthpiece vs. The MessageMoses was the great prophet of Israel—Moshe Rabbenu, “Moses our Teacher.” When God spoke, Moses delivered the mail.At the burning bush, God said:Exodus 3:10 (NLT)“Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.”Moses went up the mountain and came down with God's words. He was the mediator. The messenger.But Hebrews tells us something bigger.Hebrews 1:1–2 (NLT)“Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son.”Moses delivered a message. Jesus is the message.Moses told us what God said. Jesus showed us who God is. The difference isn't subtle—it's seismic.2. The Architect: The Snapshot vs. The Whole PictureMoses didn't just speak for God. He shaped a nation.At Sinai, he brought down the Ten Commandments. In a world ruled by tyrants, this was revolutionary. Authority answered to a higher authority. Justice wasn't based on mood; it was rooted in God's character.Even the Sabbath command was radical:“Six days you shall labor… but the seventh day is a sabbath.”In a world of slavery and subsistence farming, rest was unheard of. God declared that human worth wasn't measured by productivity.But even this was just a snapshot.Fifteen hundred years later, Jesus revealed the whole picture:Matthew 22:37–40 (NLT)“‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.'… ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.' The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”Moses gave structure. Jesus gave fulfillment.The law was never the final word—it was the frame around a greater portrait. Jesus didn't abolish the law; He completed it.3. The Servant: The Old House vs. The New HouseHebrews 3:5 says:“Moses was certainly faithful in God's house as a servant. His work was an illustration of the truths God would reveal later.”An illustration. A preview. A shadow.For centuries, God worked primarily through Israel. Kings like David. Prophets like Elijah and...

Welcome back to the podcast! Join us this week for a special episode, highlighting the updates to our website in 2026!--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--

In this Valentine's Day special, Bryan and Tracy reflect on nearly 30 years of marriage by choosing one word to define each decade, encouraging you to do the same. From the chaos of young parenting to the tension of busy schedules and the transition into the empty nest years, they share honest lessons from every season. Wherever you are in your marriage journey, this episode will encourage you to embrace the season you're in and trust how God is using it to shape you both. We hope it inspires conversation for your Valentine's Day date night out!--The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--

WHY DID JESUS HAVE TO BECOME HUMAN? (CHRISTOLOGY 2)Last week, we began our journey through Hebrews by focusing on Christ's divine nature. In just four verses, we saw that Jesus is the agent, purpose, sustainer, and ruler of creation. He is fully God—uncreated, eternal, and the exact expression of God's nature. That was a lot of theology packed into a small space.Today we slow down and move to Christology part two: Jesus' human nature. This raises a crucial question for Christians then and now: Why did Jesus have to become human?The theological term for this is the incarnation—the central Christian belief that the eternal Son of God took on human nature in the person of Jesus Christ. Importantly, Jesus did not stop being God when He came to earth. He retained His divine nature and added a fully human nature. This means Jesus is one person with two distinct natures: fully God and fully man. No other being in the universe exists like this.While on earth, Jesus didn't “turn off” His divine power. Instead, He chose not to exercise His divine attributes independently. He lived in complete dependence on the Holy Spirit. The early church called this mystery the hypostatic union. It's deep theology, but the book of Hebrews doesn't present it as abstract theory. It presents it as good news.Let's slow down and read our passage for the day:Hebrews 2:14–18 (NLT)Because God's children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying…From this passage, Hebrews gives us seven reasons Jesus had to become human.First, Jesus became human because we are human. Since God's children are flesh and blood, the Son also became flesh and blood. Only a human could represent the human race before God. To save humanity, the Savior had to belong to humanity. In God's courtroom of justice, Jesus stands as our representative—one who truly understands our condition.Second, Jesus became human so He could die. Death is the penalty for sin, established by God from the beginning. This is the great paradox of the gospel: the Author of life became mortal. If Jesus had remained only divine, He could not have died—and if He could not die, we could not overcome death. Hebrews later reminds us that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.Third, Jesus became human so He could break the power of the devil. Hebrews says that through death, Jesus destroyed the one who had the power of death. Satan once held the authority to accuse humanity and hold eternal separation over our heads. Notice the tense—had the power of death. Through the cross, that authority was broken.Fourth, Jesus became human to set us free from the fear of death. Death is still inevitable, but it no longer has the final word. In the ancient world, death was a constant companion, and fear of it shaped daily life. The Christian hope of resurrection transformed everything. As Paul later declared, “O death, where is your victory?” Christians don't have to live as slaves to fear anymore.Fifth, Jesus became human so He could be our high priest. A priest bridges the gap between a holy God and broken people. Jesus had to be made like us in every respect to fulfill this role. He is merciful toward our weakness and faithful toward God's holiness. Hebrews will return to this theme again and again.Sixth, Jesus became human so He could be our sacrifice. In the Old Testament, priests offered animals. In the New Covenant, the Priest is the sacrifice. This is the ultimate power move of grace: Jesus offered Himself to take away the...

In this episode, Tracy unpacks the idea of a time budget and challenges us to take an honest look at how we spend our time and what it reveals about our true priorities. By examining our daily routines, she invites us to align our schedules with what we say matters most—especially our relationship with God.--The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--What Your Time Says About What You Truly Care AboutOverviewWe all have the same 24 hours in a day. How we spend those hours tells a powerful story—one that reveals our true priorities, passions, and commitments. It's easy to say we value certain things—faith, family, health—but when we step back and take an honest look at how we actually spend our time, the truth becomes clear. Are we really living according to the values we claim to hold dear?Time Is the Ultimate Indicator of PriorityThink about it: if someone tracked your daily routine for a week, what would they discover? Maybe they'd find that your evenings are filled with sports practices, Netflix binges, or endless scrolling on your phone. Church attendance or involvement might fall down the list with sports tourneys for the kids, camping on the weekends or other vacations. Maybe work consumes your days and fatigue takes your nights. None of these are inherently bad—but when they take up the bulk of our time, we have to ask: What's being left out?From Habits of the Household — Justin Whitmel Earley“Moments aggregate, and they become memories and tradition. Our routines become who we are, become the story and culture of our families.“Think of it like this: when it comes to spiritual formation, our households are not simply products of what we teach and say. They are much more products of what we practice and do.” These habits of the household are giving our children windows into what we mean when we talk about faith.“The liturgical lens allows us to see all of our normal moments for what they really are: moments of worship to someone or something.”The Time Budget ExerciseOne of the most eye-opening exercises you can do is create a "time budget". Just like a financial budget shows you where your money goes, a time budget breaks down how you spend the 168 hours in your week. Include everything: sleep, work, meals, commutes, entertainment, family time, exercise, screen time—and yes, time with God.Take time to do a time breakdown of a month. Think of all that you do in a day and in a week.What Does Your Time Budget Reveal?Once you've created your time budget, take a step back and look at it. Ask yourself:What gets the most hours?What gets squeezed in?What gets neglected entirely?And most importantly: Where does God fit in your...

While the Bible depicts the devil as a formidable and active force in our world, his authority is far from absolute. Often misunderstood as an equal opposite to God, the devil is actually a created being whose influence is strictly bound by divine permission. His "power" is less about brute force and more about the strategic use of deception, accusation, and the exploitation of human fear. This episode explores the specific nature of his influence—often described as the "god of this world"—while highlighting the ultimate victory that renders him a defeated foe for those who stand in the truth of Christ.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you're looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--The Ruler of a Fallen WorldThe devil is frequently referred to as the "ruler of this world" or the "god of this age." This doesn't imply legal ownership of the earth, but rather a pervasive influence over its current systems and spiritual darkness.Atmospheric Influence: He works through human culture and philosophies to nudge people toward rebellion.Spiritual Hierarchy: While not omnipresent (like God), he leads a structure of spiritual forces aimed at clouding human judgment.Temporary Authority: His "rule" is a result of humanity's original fall and remains only as long as God allows it for His greater purposes.The Strategy of DeceptionThe devil's most potent weapon isn't physical; it is misinformation. By masquerading as an "angel of light," he twists truth to create mental strongholds.The Father of Lies: Deception is his native language. He seeks to make good look evil and evil look good.The Accuser: He uses our failures to convince us we are beyond God's grace, effectively sidelining our faith through guilt.Mental Strongholds: By planting seeds of doubt regarding God's goodness, he leads individuals into spiritual bondage."He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies." — John 8:44Breaking the Power of DeathHistorically, the devil used the fear of death as a chain to keep humanity in slavery. Because sin leads to death, he used human guilt as a legal claim.The Great Disarming: Through the incarnation and resurrection,...

In this episode, Brandi and AJ share how unanswered questions, painful discovery, and an honest search for truth led them from “grinding for godhood” in Mormonism to encountering the real Jesus of the Bible.Check out Brandi's Book: The Journey to Jesus: Finding Christ after Leaving MormonismBrandi's Instagram--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--Brandi and AJ's Story: Mormon to Atheist to ChristianBrandi and AJ were doing everything “right.” They were BYU grads, married, building a life, raising kids, and fully committed to the LDS vision of a faithful future. AJ describes it like “grinding for godhood”—a life built on steps, worthiness, temple goals, and constant striving. But then the foundation started to crack.For AJ, some of the doctrinal history raised unsettling questions (including ideas like “blood atonement,” which they mention they'll unpack later). For Brandi, the tipping point was watching changes in the LDS church after COVID and feeling like the church was shifting in a more progressive direction. She tried to address it the way a devoted member would: she wrote letters to Salt Lake City headquarters about what she saw as inconsistency—especially related to abortion and human life. She wasn't trying to tear anything down. She genuinely believed the LDS church was true, and she wanted it to be consistent.But the response felt dismissive—more like a polite pat on the head than a meaningful engagement. That frustration pushed them into a place they never thought they'd go: researching.Looking for answers… without wanting to “deconstruct”Brandi makes an important clarification: they weren't hunting for “gotcha” moments. They didn't go searching because they assumed the church was false. In fact, they needed it to be true. That's why reading outside sources felt dangerous. AJ describes that fear as avoiding the “cognitive dissonance fire”—because their hearts were convinced, and they didn't want their minds persuaded that everything was a lie.But once they started reading, the “genie” didn't go back in the bottle.They looked at sources like MormonThink because it included multiple perspectives—both critical claims and apologetic responses. That felt more balanced. Still, it wasn't official, and Brandi felt guilty even being there. Eventually, as more historical issues piled up (like multiple First Vision...

The Seven Attributes of Jesus (Christology 1)Big Idea: Jesus Christ is not just a chapter in the story of God; He is the Author, the Hero, and the Ending. When we see Jesus for who He truly is, every other priority in our lives finds its proper place.Today we begin a nine-week journey through the Book of Hebrews, a letter written to magnify the greatness of Jesus Christ. Hebrews isn't primarily about religious rules, moral improvement, or spiritual techniques. It's about Jesus—who He is and what He has done. Everything else flows from that foundation.The original audience was likely Jewish Christians living under Roman rule, facing intense persecution. As pressure mounted, many were tempted to abandon their faith in Jesus and return to the familiarity and safety of traditional Judaism. Hebrews speaks directly into that tension with one clear message: Jesus is greater than anyone or anything that came before Him. To walk away from Him would be to walk away from the fulfillment of all God's promises.The author of Hebrews remains anonymous, one of the great mysteries of the New Testament. While Paul may have influenced it, the writing style is far more polished and rhetorically sophisticated than Paul's letters. Hebrews chapter 1 proves this immediately. Verses 1–4 form a single, majestic sentence in the original Greek—an exordium, designed to grab attention with both beauty and weight.Hebrews 1:1–4 (NLT) sets the stage:“Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son…”In the Old Testament, God spoke in fragments—a dream here, a burning bush there, a prophet's warning along the way. But in Jesus, God didn't just send messages; He sent the Message. This is Christology—the study of the person and work of Jesus Christ—and Hebrews wastes no time getting to the point.In verses 2–3, the author unleashes a rapid-fire description of Jesus using seven distinct attributes. In Scripture, the number seven represents completeness and perfection. Together, these form a full portrait of the Son.Jesus is the Heir—the goal of history. God has promised everything to Him as an inheritance. History is not random; it is moving toward the coronation of King Jesus. He is the “why” behind all creation.Jesus is the Creator—the architect of reality. Through Him, God made the universe. Jesus is not a created being; He is the source of all things. Nothing exists apart from His will.Jesus is the Radiance—the shining glory of God. He doesn't merely reflect God's glory like the moon reflects sunlight; He radiates it. The Son is the visible manifestation of the invisible God—“Light from Light.”Jesus is the Expression—the exact imprint of God's nature. The Greek word charaktēr refers to a stamp or seal. Jesus doesn't resemble God; He perfectly represents Him. To see Jesus is to see God.Jesus is the Sustainer—the glue of the cosmos. He holds everything together by the power of His word. The universe doesn't persist on autopilot; it endures because Jesus commands it to.Jesus is the Savior—the cleanser of sin. When He purified us from our sins, the work was finished. Unlike Old Testament priests who never sat down, Jesus completed the work once for all.Finally, Jesus is the Ruler—the seated King. He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven, a position of total authority. The victory is won.Hebrews 1:4 reminds us that Jesus is far greater than angels, traditions, or anything else we might be tempted to trust. For believers facing hardship, this truth re-centers everything.The message of Hebrews is clear:...

In this episode, Tracy and her son AJ (almost 23) share a field guide for parenting in the digital age. Drawing from AJ's experience growing up with smartphones and social media, the conversation isn't meant to scare parents—but to wake them up and help them guide their kids with biblical wisdom.--The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--Field Guide for Parents: The Digital World and Your KidsIf you're a parent today, you're raising kids in a world you didn't grow up in. Smartphones. Social media. Gaming communities. Private messaging. Endless scrolling. And the truth is, most of us are trying to parent through technology we don't fully understand—while our kids often understand it better than we do.In this episode, Tracy teams up with her son AJ (almost 23) to offer a “field guide” for navigating the digital world with your kids. AJ grew up in the smartphone/social media era and shares what he's learned—both from experience and from research. They call it a cautionary tale, not because parents should panic, but because parents should wake up.Here's the big idea: a smartphone isn't just a phone. It's a powerful tool with access to an entire universe—and a lot of that universe is unfiltered, unsafe, and deeply shaping.The Pressure Is Real—But So Is the DangerParents feel the pressure early. Today, many kids are getting smartphones in elementary school. And when “everyone has one,” kids start to feel like they'll be left out socially if they don't.AJ shares that this pressure isn't just about having a device—it's about access to the communication apps everyone uses. If your kid isn't on the group chat or the app the team uses, they can feel isolated.But here's the problem: social pressure is not a good reason to hand your child a tool they aren't ready to handle.Start With the Right Question: Is My Kid Ready for the Responsibility?A better question than “When should my kid get a phone?” is: Is my child ready for this responsibility?There are phone options that allow for basic communication without opening the floodgates of social media, porn, and endless content. Parents can start with a “dumb phone” and treat it like training wheels.AJ compares it to driving a car: you don't hand your kid the keys and hope for the best. You teach them. You supervise. You build habits. You set boundaries. You require trust and responsibility over time.Boundaries Aren't About Control—They're About ProtectionIf you decide to give your child a phone, boundaries matter.Some practical boundaries include:Screen time limits (and learning delayed gratification)No phone in the bedroom at nightCharging phones in a public placeNo phone use until...

In this episode, Bryan sits down with Brandi and AJ to hear how a lifetime of devotion to Mormon exaltation turned into what they call “grinding for godhood”—a relentless pursuit of worthiness, temple marriage, and eternal approval. Their story reveals the hidden pressure of a works-based faith and sets the stage for how God began to unravel everything they thought was true.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now--Check out Brandi's Book: The Journey to Jesus: Finding Christ after Leaving MormonismGrinding for Godhood: Life Inside Mormon ExaltationIn this episode, Bryan talks with Brandi and AJ, two former Mormons who were fully committed to their faith from childhood. Brandi introduces a phrase that captures their experience perfectly: “grinding for godhood.” It describes a life shaped by striving—keeping covenants, qualifying for temple blessings, and doing everything necessary to reach exaltation.What does “grinding for godhood” mean?Brandi explains that from a young age she believed her purpose was to tap into her divine nature and eventually become like God. This wasn't driven by ego or a desire to be worshiped. It felt like obligation—this is what I was created for, and I have to take it seriously.AJ felt the same pressure. The temple represented the ultimate goal: exaltation, eternal family, and eternal progression. Getting to the temple—and staying worthy—was everything.Women, godhood, and the templeFor Brandi, godhood wasn't just a “male” idea. She fully expected to become like a “Heavenly Mother,” even though Heavenly Mother was rarely discussed in Mormonism. Eternity was tied to temple marriage, which meant finding the right husband wasn't optional—it was essential.That belief raised the stakes on dating, college decisions, and life itself.Utah vs. California MormonismAJ grew up in Utah, where Mormonism was normal and rarely questioned. Brandi grew up in California, constantly interacting with non-Mormons and Christians who challenged her beliefs. Instead of weakening her faith, that pressure made her more confident and outspoken.Brandi actively debated theology, defended the Restoration, and gave Book of Mormons to friends and teachers—believing she was sharing something life-changing.BYU and the pressure to marryAt BYU Provo, the urgency intensified. Brandi describes the dating culture as competitive and...